In recent weeks there have been a series of troubling stories in the news about accidents caused by people who were texting or talking on their phones while driving. In late July, seventy-nine people were killed, and countless others were injured in Spain when the driver of a high-speed train traveling from Madrid crashed in Santiago de Compostela; the driver admitted he was talking on the phone at the moment the train derailed. More recently, and closer to home, in West New York, NJ, the driver of a bus became distracted as he talked on his phone, crashed into a light post, which then tragically toppled over and killed a 9 month old baby.

These devastatingly sad stories are certainly not how we usually like to begin our weekly newsletter - we love sharing with you great places to go and fun family activities, yet we can't ignore these stories - and we implore you to use them as a reminder to never text or talk on the phone while you drive. A split second can change your life; a split second can change your family's life forever.

So, please, don't look down when you hear a text come through, don't just check to see who's calling. Don't assume that if you're talking hands free that your mind and eyes are completely on the road. It can wait until you get to your destination, or if it can't, pull over. Here at NJ Kids we are in the business of helping out families and kids. Help us help all of our kids by keeping them safe. Please, don't text and drive. Don't talk and drive. Just drive.

The NJ Kids Team

This Week

NJPAC's Sounds of the CityThursday August 22 - 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM The Ohio Players, 1970 street funk and R&B Free outdoor concert series. Chance to sample of Newark's best food with visits from some of the most innovative and popular food trucks as well as sampl... Newark

Children ages 4 - 6 years can play fun math games and activities on Thursdays at 1:00 pm. Make a mystery clock, build a stuffed animal zip line, solve tanagram puzzles and more! Goodie Bags provided with fun projects to do at home.

Free family event open to the public. Come find out what's trending for today's teenagers. Back to school shopping, workshops for teens, parents and teachers. Free photo booth, fun dance competition for parents and teachers. Workshops for teens, parents and teachers. FEMA will also be there to answer homeowner questions.

A delicious daytime event dedicated to two of nature's most flavorful plants. Vote for you favorite ice cream flavor, and take a tropical smell test. Join us for crafts, educational activities, and our Flavors of the Forest concession stand. Enjoy chocolate and vanilla treats as you learn about these tropical flavors.

Ocean City will celebrate Thanksgiving twice this year. Later in November but first on Saturday, August 24 when it will treat its loyal vacationers to an evening of entertainment capped by a gigantic fireworks display. They will begin the celebration at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Music Pier with a program of non-denominational "prayer and song" by local clergy and area choirs. At 8 p.m. they will present entertainment throughout the Boardwalk featuring bands, strolling entertainers and costumed characters. At 10 p.m. there will be a huge fireworks display ignited from a barge in the ocean plainly visible from the Boardwalk.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County and the 4-H Club will be holding their Annual Birds, Bugs, Ants, and Beyond Free Festival for Children. This is a great fun way to learn about nature for both children and parents. There will be a live rabbit and live raptor shows. Enjoy the many displays, games, and crafts featuring: bees, bats, butterflies, and other insects.

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